We asked Gillian Panter, the multi-talented interior designer at Kay Elliott Architects, to talk us through her creative process in bringing The Brackenrigg Inn back to life.
Skate by the lake
As we wrap-up our first ever ice rink on the shores of Ullswater, we’re making plans to bring it back again this festive season…
9,000 skaters. Almost 5,000 pizzas. Nine local school groups. Two Olympic skaters. And a snow-dusted ending. For 35 days in December and January our first ever ice-rink on the shores of Ullswater transformed the Another Place grounds into a winter wonderland, with thanks and support from Land Rover Discovery.
This year, we’ll welcome its return for a second year running, opening the doors a little earlier – giving you more opportunity to kick-start your festive celebrations.
Launched in style on 1 December by Cumbrian-based British Olympic figure skaters David and Stacey King, the pair set the tone for a spectacular first skating season at The Lake. So much so in fact, that when we were approached by several competitive skaters who were keen to use the rink, we were more than happy to open-up some advanced sessions for skaters to showcase their routines, much to the joy of our guests.
But from professionals to first-time skaters, children to adults, and even local school groups, the ice-rink is for everyone to experience. Olympic skaters the Kings have been campaigning for a permanent rink in Cumbria for years. “Skate by the Lake has clearly demonstrated there’s an appetite for it,” says David.
Topped off by our 16ft Nordmann Christmas tree, lights and decorations, festive hot chocolates and mulled cider, seasonal menus as well as skate and dine, and a stay and skate breaks, there’s no excuse to not feel the festive cheer when it returns in November.
From the blog
Jo Tinsley teaches us how to travel slowly in the Lake District.
Shapeshifters, dancers, agents from another dimension or royal dinner? We pause to consider the noble swans that frequent our Ullswater shores.